Legislative Agenda/Updates 2013-2014

Legislative Update 2013-2014

Ultrasound Imaging for Abortions

Requires abortion providers to provide abortion-minded clients with an opportunity to view the ultrasound on the most up-to-date imaging equipment available at the facility. The legislation would effectively end the practice of showing a woman her fetus on a low-resolution machine while conducting the abortion with the use of a high-resolution machine.MFF Position: SupportHouse Bill 4187Sponsor: Rep. Joel Johnson, Status: Health Policy Committee,Senate Bill: N/A

Unmarried Second Parent Adoption

The legislation would allow a second adult, not legally married to a child’s parent, to legally adopt the child. Supporters contend that such an arrangement would provide children with additional support and benefits, such as health insurance. The legislation does not limit the second parent to an adult who is related to the child.MFF Position: OpposeHouse Bill 4060; Sponsor: Rep. Jeff Irwin; Status: House Families, Children and Seniors CommitteeSenate Bill: N/A

Futility of Treatment Disclosure

Requires hospitals or other healthcare faicilities to fully disclose “Futility of Treatment” policies to parents of patients under the age of 18. A “Futility of Treatment” policy permits a healthcare facility to refuse treatment of a patient if the treatment is not likely to be successful or the quality of life would be so diminished that treatment is deemed “futile.” Michigan Family Forum supports the legislation but recommends the disclosure apply to all patients and not limit the disclosure to parents of patients under 18.MFF Position: SupportSenate Bill 165; Sponsor: Sen. Jim Marleau; Status: Senate Health Policy CommitteeHouse Bill: N/A

Prohibit “Judge Shopping” for Judicial Waiver for Abortion

A minor would be prohibited from seeking a judicial waiver for an abortion from a second judge if she had been denied a judicial waiver previously for the pregnancy. The legislation allows for exceptions in some circumstances.MFF Position: SupportSenate Bill 254; Sponsor: Sen. Mark Jansen; Status: Senate Judiciary Committee

Expand Child Support Orders

Expand Child Support Orders
Child support could be ordered beyond the age of 18 if the child has a “developmental disability or mental retardation.”MFF Position: SupportHouse Bill 4336;Sponsor: Rep. Jim Ananich; Status: House Judiciary Committee
Last Update: March 28, 2013

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